I came across this photo (above) as NASA’s image of the day and just started laughing. Since my job involves some interaction with the astronauts as they train for flight, I’m occasionally asked what they’re like. The stereotype of “astronaut” seems to be either a gruff and tough military pilot or a super-smart scientist. The truth is that while some of them do fit that mold, on the whole they’re pretty normal people who lucked into a very abnormal (and very cool) job. They work hard, but they also like to clown around for the camera just like anyone else. The STS-133 crew is a funny bunch. They launch in less than two weeks! I can’t believe my second flight as Lead Rendezvous is almost here. I also can’t believe that at this time next year, the shuttle will be something kids learns about in history class.
I realized that I never answered the questions I asked in my space shuttle launch poll a few weeks ago. It was interesting to see the responses from people who don’t work at NASA — and from some who DO. It kinda puts things into perspective when people who work for the agency aren’t fully aware of what’s going on with the shuttle program. I am guilty myself of staying pretty ignorant of what’s going on with the International Space Station — yes, that “other” thing that is flying in space.
- Which Space Shuttle is getting ready for launch?
- When is the next launch?
- What mission number is it going to be?
- How many Space Shuttle launches remain after this one?
Discovery is the shuttle for this next mission, the third shuttle built and the oldest still flying. It will be this vehicle’s last flight, and she’s slated to go to the Air & Space Museum as a final resting place. Launch is currently scheduled for November 1, although there is a troublesome propellant leak that they are working hard to fix at the moment. It’s possible the launch will slip by a few days, but I’m crossing my fingers. It will be STS-133. The numbers don’t always go in order, but in this case it’s right — it will be the 133rd space shuttle flight since they began in 1981. After this, only two missions remain, and one of those is still slightly in limbo because Congress has not actually passed the official 2011 budget.
There’s a book coming out early next year called “Wings In Orbit,” about the history of the space shuttle. (You can pre-order it from the JSC gift shop.) It was edited by Wayne Hale, a recently retired NASA flight director and program manager. (He maintained a great NASA blog, and now writes on his own private blog — which is even better now that he can say whatever he wants.) The book ALSO contains a small bit written by someone named Jose, who happens to by my very own lovely husband. I know! How cool!
